March 26, 2004
NORFOLK, VA. - The Old Dominion Monarchs (11-11/1-0) pounded out 15 hits and junior pre-season All-American Justin Verlander (Goochland, VA.) fanned 13 in seven innings of work to become the Colonial Athletic Association's all-time strikeout leader as ODU defeated Towson (7-11/0-1), 12-3 in the conference opener for both. Verlander now has 341 career strikeouts, breaking Whitt Farr's (WM'02) mark of 340.
Derek James(Terre Haute, IN.) led ODU with four runs batted in, including a three-run homer in the sixth inning. Steven Harris and Keith Hahn (Valley Stream,NY.) each had three hits. Harris knocked in three runs, while freshman Bryan Cipolla (Plainview, NY.) and Hahn each knocked in two runs.
Earlier this week Verlander broke former major leaguer (Cleveland) and ODU All-American Kevin Bearse' (ODU'88) career strikeout mark of 325. Verlander now has65 strikeouts in 47 innings. He walked three today and allowed only three hits and onerun.
Towson was led by Jeremy Stifler and Casper Wells with two hits each. Wells,Bobby Paduano and pinch hitter Brad Stoesifer each knocked in a run for the Tigers.the two teams will play game two of the CAA series Saturday at 5 p.m. James Burokwill pitch for ODU, while Towson will throw Joe Peeler.
LINESCORETU 000 100 011 =3-6-0ODU 014 223 00x =12-15-0
Batteries: TU-Brewer, Tapper(3), Reed(6), Searles(8) and StiflerODU- Verlander, Godin(8) and GramWP:Verlander (3-2) LP: Brewer (0-3)HR: ODU- James (3)